Thiruvananthapuram: A shocking theft has been reported from the 'Food for Freedom’ cafeteria, operated by inmates near the Poojappura Central Jail, which is considered the most high-security prison in the state.

The jail is located in the heart of the state capital, and the theft came to light early on August 18.

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According to initial estimates, nearly Rs 5 lakh was stolen after miscreants broke open the cafeteria door, accessed the office room and looted cash stored in a locker.

The money was reportedly due to be deposited in the treasury on Monday.

What makes the incident particularly alarming is that the cafeteria is situated in a high-security zone, directly adjacent to the Central Jail.

Police suspect the theft may have been committed by someone familiar with the premises and the procedures for storing daily collections.

The theft was discovered early Monday morning, after which the Poojappura police were alerted.

While police have begun reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas, the cafeteria itself did not have any surveillance cameras installed, a security lapse that has raised serious concerns.

The stolen amount is believed to include collections from the three-day period starting from Friday’s public holiday and the subsequent busy weekend.

This is not the first breach of security reported at Poojappura jail.

Just a few months ago, equipment worth approximately Rs 5 lakh was allegedly stolen from the jail’s solar power plant, where nearly 300 unused batteries had been dismantled.

Despite a case being registered at the time, no suspects have yet been apprehended.

Cafeteria introduced in 2011 by then DGP

The Food for Freedom cafeteria, located directly in front of the Central Jail, was established to showcase the culinary skills of inmates, following the popularity of the ‘jail chapatis’ that once became a household name in Kerala.

Introduced in 2011 under then Director General of Police Alexander Jacob and later expanded into a full-fledged cafeteria, the initiative has been widely praised as a progressive reform.

However, the recent theft has cast a shadow over the effectiveness of the security arrangements surrounding such projects.

Poojappura jail, which currently houses over 1,500 inmates—more than double its sanctioned capacity of 700—has long been affected by staff shortages and overcrowding.

IANS